Chapter 1
Kimber
"Mr. and Mrs. Vanderbilt?"
"That's what it's under, but I'll be registering as Kimber Vernon."
Everywhere I go, I have to explain that the wedding didn't happen. There was a runaway groom who had handed me so many red flags I don't know why I wasn't wearing red on my wedding day. Anger starts to bubble up inside me once more, and I try to calm myself down.
"Oh, okay. I'll need a credit card to put on file then."
I hand her one of my credit cards that I kept with a low balance for the honeymoon. I was supposed to be buying myself and mybesties souvenirs with this card, not paying for my hotel stay. I can't believe I'm spending my honeymoon by myself.
Thinking back I can't help but wonder how I didn't realize David was gay. I mean he was so good with fashion and decorating. He always had some funny story to share about his trainer and he loves to wear flashy ties with his suits.
He was trying hard to become a male fashion influencer, so I didn't think much about it. I didn't mind his flashy looks and colorful personality. It allowed me to hide myself and my shameful curves. We actually looked cute in the engagement photos.
So what if I caught him sitting way too close in the hot tub with a friend, and I didn't mind him going on those glamping trips because I hate camping, no matter how fancy it is?
Once the lady at the front desk hands me the key to the room, I sigh, relieved. At least I'll have a nice vacation. My mind, however, doesn't want to let go. It keeps going back to every interaction I had with David and telling me as a result that I was a fool.
I hate it when my mind works against me like this. It starts going down a rabbit hole of negativity until I need to lie down and curl into a fetal position. When I get to my room I see the champagne chilling in an ice bucket and a plate of chocolate covered strawberries.
I'll be feeding myself those in a little while. Could I get drunk if I drink the entire bottle of champagne. I don't really like champagne, I prefer cider because it has a sweet taste to it in addition to the bubbles. I place my luggage in the corner and my purse on the dresser.
There's a comfy chair in the room, and I sit on it. I flip my shoes off and put my legs up on the little stool. One full week. That's how long the stay is. Thousands of dollars spent on myself. Do I deserve this vacation? I mean, he did most ofthe wedding preparations; another red flag. I mean, what groom wants to spend his time choosing venues, flowers and dresses?
Yes, he helped with the bridesmaids dresses. It should have brought up alarms in me, but I was just relieved it was something less for me to do. Turns out it doesn't pay to let the man do everything in your wedding preparations. Facing the family and friends who attended was difficult enough.
The biggest red flag of them all was that we never had sex. Not even once. We were just so comfortable together, I thought the intimacy would follow after we said our wedding vows. I've never had a high sex drive so I thought we were a match.
That's why finding him being fucked by his best man in his dressing room came as a surprise to me. The worst part? He wanted to go ahead with the wedding. Said that lavender marriages were the thing these days. I however, want a husband. Or rather, wanted a proper husband that I could have sex with, and then children would come.
He followed me throughout the church until he realized I was going to spill the beans to our family and friends. The memories start to give me a headache, and I decide to go get some ice to drink some water and take my migraine pills before it starts in full.
I put my shoes on and go get the ice. On my way there, I walk past the gym and see a gorgeous silver fox running like his life depended on it. Why couldn't I get myself a man like that to spend the rest of my life with? I go back to my room with my bucketful of ice and some nice fantasies about the man with salt and pepper hair in the gym.
The pills take some time to take effect, so I lie down and place a cold compress on my forehead. I might as well eat lunch here. If I feel better tonight, though, I'll go to the bar and have a couple of drinks. This is a luxury hotel and I love people watching.
It's my job as a reporter to be aware of what's happening around me. I guess my senses were off when dealing with someone so close to me. I close my eyes and try to meditate to relax. It takes a long time for me to drift off to sleep, but when I do, I dream of a certain silver fox that caught my eye.
Chapter 2
Lucian
I'm trapped on this island resort for the next week. How did I lose control this way? Yes, I'm a workaholic, and yes my blood pressure has been higher than usual lately with the merger we just finished, but that should improve now that everything is settled. Shouldn't it?
I keep coming back to the conversation I had with my right hand, Kelly. She's twenty years younger than me and one of the best things that ever happened to me in business. She's irreplaceable. Except she's got me by the balls as well.
"You need to take some vacation time, and now is the time to do it."
"I need to find the next big thing to make more money."
"You already have more money than god Lucian, you need to take it easy, or you won't live to enjoy this fortune you're amassing."
"I'll take the weekend off."
"No. One week. I've emailed you the boarding pass and the confirmation for the resort. You are taking a vacation as of right now."
